Furniture store to gym at CKR Furniture Frames Limited, Mountain Ash

What was proposed

The application proposed changing a vacant furniture store into a gym, with internal alterations, some external works, specified hours and nine employees.

“APPLICATION NUMBER – 25/0749/FUL REPORT The proposed change of use would be facilitated through internal alterations to the main unit in order to better assist in the running of the gym and the proposed floor plans indicate that the layout of the ground floor would be sub-divided to provide for an entrance lobby, functional and free weights areas, a studio, changing facilities and showers together with separate staff areas.”

“External alterations would be associated with the enclosure of an area of the covered store to form changing facilities and sauna/cold dip facilities.”

Officer report

The site and its surroundings

The commercial site includes a large building, covered store, yard and parking, with commercial neighbours, a car park, an active travel route and the river nearby.

“The application site comprises a large commercial property located along Cardiff Road, Mountain Ash. The site is currently vacant although is noted as previously operating as a furniture store. The site contains a large portal frame building centrally with a covered store positioned along the southern boundary. The remaining areas of the site are laid with tarmacadam and are used as yard space and parking.”

“The site is bounded by Cardiff Road to the north, a council car park to the west, a builder’s merchant to the east and the Cynon Trail active travel route to the south, beyond which is the River Cynon.”

Officer report

Planning history

There were no recent planning applications recorded for the site.

“There are no recent planning applications on record associated with this site.”

Officer report

Parking and flood risk

The gym would provide 22 spaces against an estimated requirement of 37, but officers considered the shortfall acceptable given other parking and transport options.

“The existing furniture store use under B8 general industrial use has a parking requirement of 150m² of operational area and 1 space per 80m² in accordance with SPG: Access, Circulation & Parking Requirements (March 2011) for general industry with a ground floor area more than 235m² outside of zone 1. Therefore, the existing has a parking requirement of 9 spaces with 13 provided.”

“Whilst the proposal would result in a shortfall against the maximum parking requirements. Taking into account the potential for additional internal parking provision manageable as part of the facility, alongside the site's sustainable location, with good public transport links within short walking distance, nearby public car parks to accommodate any overspill demand, and the opportunity for linked trips with the nearby town centre, the proposal is considered acceptable on…”

Officer report

What consultees said

The consultees raised no objections, although some requested conditions or controls concerning biodiversity, drainage and public health matters.

“No objection although condition requested with regard to biodiversity enhancement.”

“No objection although condition recommended in relation to surface water drainage.”

Officer report

What a neighbour said

A neighbouring occupier objected over traffic, parking obstruction, early opening hours, increased car use and noise.

“The application has been advertised by direct notification to neighbouring properties as well as notices displayed at the site.”

“Additional traffic along Cardiff Road. • Parking concerns with existing on street parking obstructing access. • Concerns over opening hours specifically 4am-10pm 5 days a week, as noted before traffic as no public transport at the early hours there will be increased cars on the road. • Noise concerns.”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

The applicant declined the opportunity to address members, while the local member broadly supported the proposal and referred to resolved flood concerns.

The committee decision

The committee approved the application in accordance with the planning director’s recommendation.

“The Head of Planning presented the application to Committee and following consideration it was RESOLVED to approve the application in accordance with the recommendation of the Director, Prosperity and Development.”

Minutes

Conditions on the approval

The permission included conditions covering commencement, approved plans, biodiversity enhancement and business operating hours.

“Reason: To ensure compliance with the approved plans and documents and to clearly define the scope of the permission.”

“Monday to Friday: 04:00 hours – 22:00 hours. • Saturday and Sunday: 06:00 hours – 16:00 hours.”

Officer report